7 Best Kerosene Heaters of 2023

Photo: Dura Heat

The kerosene heater is a very practical and versatile way of heating a room. It does not require electricity, so it is very handy especially in remote locations that are not connected to the grid.

Additionally, the kerosene heater will allow you to save significantly on your electricity bill because it is much more economical than a regular electric heater.

In fact, it is the ideal heater for emergency and even daily use depending on your need.

If you are fresh on the market for the best kerosene heater, then we have you covered in our review below. Let’s get to it right now!

7 Best Kerosene Heaters – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Mr. Heater F270370 (Portable, Heavy-duty, & High Performing)	Large heating area of 4,375 square feet Powerful and heavy-duty heater Rear wheels for transportation A large tank size of 13.4 gallons
	2. Sengoku KeroHeat (Most Affordable)	Long operation time of 14 hours Automatic shut off switch Small and compact. Easy to carry
	3. Dyna-Glo RMC-95C6B (Best for Indoor)	Radiates heat uniformly Small and compact form factor Easy to use
	4. DeWalt DXH75KT (Superior Build Construction)	Excellent build construction No experience to operate A large handle at the top
	5. Pro-Temp PT-70T-KFA (Efficient & Easy to Use)	Efficient Small tank but high operation time of 9 hours Easy to adjust the temperature Large top handle for portability
	6. Mr. Heater F270270 (Small, Compact & Efficient)	High BTU of 75,000 Easy to carry around Does not need frequent refills
	7. Mr. Heater F270320 (Heavy-duty & Portable)	Heavy-duty and performing Large wheel for easy transportation 15 hours of operation time

1. Mr. Heater F270370 – Portable, Heavy-duty, & High Performing

Photo: Mr. Heater

• Heating Area: 4,375 square feet
• BTUs: 175,000
• Tank Size: 13.4 gallons
• Operate Time: 10 hours

If you’re looking for a powerful and heavy-duty kerosene heater to heat a small or large room quickly, then this model by Mr. Heater is an excellent choice to consider.

Indeed, with its heating area of 4,375 square feet, this unit will have no problem heating a large area in no time.

Moreover, its BTU of 175,000 guarantees that it is a heavy-duty model that will produce a reliable and constant flow of high temperature.

Also, it has a large tank size of 13.4 gallons which means that it can accommodate a lot of kerosene, so you do not have to constantly refill this kerosene heater. Its capacity is quite high, so it will last a while.

But what we like the best about this kerosene heater is definitely its rear wheels. This shows that it is highly portable and can be easily carried anywhere you want, whether it is indoors or outdoors.

Despite being heavier than other models, it is amazing how the rear wheels make this kerosene heater so portable.

If you need to heat a remote area, then this is an excellent choice.

All in all, taking its performance and portability into account, this model by Mr. Heater is definitely one of the most heavy-duty and best portable kerosene heaters on the market.

Pros:

• The most powerful kerosene heater in this review
• Rear wheels make this model very portable
• Durable and long-lasting. Rugged build construction
• Large heating area of 4,375 square feet and high BTU of 175,000

Cons:

• The price could have been better
• Consumes more kerosene than other models

2. Sengoku KeroHeat – Most Affordable Kerosene Heater

Photo: Sengoku

• Heating Area: 380 square feet
• BTUs: 10,000
• Tank Size: 1.2 gallons
• Operate Time: 14 hours

Not everybody has several hundred dollars to spend on a kerosene heater. This is where models like the Sengoku KeroHeat comes into play.

Indeed, this model is the most affordable solution that you will find in this kerosene heater review.

Since this unit is quite small and compact, it has an equally small heating area of 380 square feet which is not much but still decent enough for heating a small room.

This kerosene heater makes up for its small heating area by providing you with an exceptionally long operation time of 14 hours. If you need to heat a room for an extended period of time, then this model is an excellent choice.

In addition, it is quite easy and safe to use by absolute beginners.

There is an automatic switch that will power of this heater in case you forget to manually turn it off. This will prevent the overconsumption of kerosene as well as ensure your safety.

Pros:

• Affordable. Value for money
• Front metal grill for better safety
• Very long operation time of 14 hours. Efficient heater
• Easy to use by absolute beginners

Cons:

• Slow heating capacity
• Small heating area of 380 square feet

3. Dyna-Glo RMC-95C6B – Best Indoor Kerosene Heater

Photo: Dyna-Glo

• Heating Area: 1,000 square feet
• BTUs: 23,000
• Tank Size: 1.9 gallons
• Operate Time: 11 hours

The Dyna-Glo is a popular kerosene heater that is small and compact. This model is made specifically for indoor use only. With its heating area of 1,000 square feet, it will have no problem heating a small to medium-size room.

Additionally, this unit demarks itself from the rest of the competition with its small tank size of 1.9 gallons but high operation time of 11 hours. This shows that it is a very efficient kerosene heater.

Since this is a convection heater, you can place it in the middle of the room, and it will heat that room in every direction uniformly.

Also, the manufacturer has made this kerosene heater in such a way that it can withstand casual as well as heavy-duty use.

Controlling the temperature is quite easy because the inbuilt thermostat is located right at the front of the unit. You will also find a manual shut off button at the front in case of an emergency.

If you’re looking forward to heating a small room, then we can highly recommend this model especially considering its relatively affordable price.

It is definitely one of the best kerosene heaters for indoor use on the market.

Notes: Since this model is a convection kerosene heater, it is ideally placed in the middle of the room and not in a corner.

Pros:

• Sends heat uniformly in every direction
• Manual shut off valve at the front in case of an emergency
• Easy to adjust the temperature with the front thermostat

Cons:

• Heating area of 1000 square feet. Ideal for only small rooms

4. DeWalt DXH75KT – Superior Build Construction

Photo: DeWalt

• Heating Area: 1,750 square feet
• BTUs: 75,000
• Tank Size: 6 gallons
• Operate Time: 11 hours

DeWalt is a highly respected brand that makes high-quality products. This kerosene heater by DeWalt is no different because it is built like a tank.

You can use this model both indoors as well as outdoors. It contains a large and ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry around.

In addition, the size also is not very big, so you will not have a lot of difficulties installing it in a small room.

It’s a heating area of 1,750 square feet is pretty decent as it will have no difficulty heating a small to medium-size room.

Additionally, its long operation time of 11 hours makes it quite reliable and efficient especially if you’re looking for a kerosene heater for extended use.

Also, using this kerosene heater couldn’t be simpler because all you have to do is press the red power button to the side of the unit. You can adjust the temperature with the inbuilt thermostat.

When we take into account its long operation time, BTU of 75,000 and a heating area of 1,750 square feet, this model by DeWalt is without a doubt one of the most efficient kerosene heaters on the market.

Pros:

• An efficient model with a long operation time of 11 hours
• The large handle of the top for portability
• The controls are easily accessible to the side of the unit

Cons:

• This kerosene heater is noisy

5. Pro-Temp PT-70T-KFA – Efficient & Easy to Use

Photo: Pro-Temp

• Heating Area: 1,875 square feet
• BTUs: 70,000
• Tank Size: 5 gallons
• Operate Time: 9 hours

This model by Pro-Temp is built for efficiency and ease of use.

We know it is efficient because it has a tank of only 5 gallons but is rated with an operation time of 9 hours. This shows that it consumes kerosene economically.

In addition, you can purchase this kerosene heater in a wide range of sizes depending on your need.

What we like about this model is its slim and compact form factor that makes it handy to carry around. There is a top handle that makes it easy to lift and carry.

Also, there is an inbuilt thermostat to the side of this kerosene heater that allows you to quickly and easily make adjustments to the temperature output.

Since this unit has a heating area of 1,875 square feet, it will have no problem heating up a small to medium-size room in no time.

Moreover, its BTU of 70,000 shows that while it is not the highest performing model in this kerosene heater review, it is still more than enough for casual use because it is easy to use and efficient.

Pros:

• Efficient kerosene heater
• High operation time of 9 hours despite having a tank size of only 5 gallons
• Inbuilt thermostat to make adjustments to the temperature
• Large top handle for portability

Cons:

• The front of the heater can cause scalding
• The thermostat is manual and cannot restart the heater on temperature drops

6. Mr. Heater F270270 – Small, Compact & Efficient

Photo: Mr. Heater

• Heating Area: 1,250 square feet
• BTUs: 75,000
• Tank Size: 8.5 gallons
• Operate Time: 11 hours

If you need a high performing kerosene heater that is still quite small and compact, then you should consider this model by Mr. Heater. Indeed, it is quite small and will not consume a lot of space when installed in the room.

This unit is rated with a heating area of 1,250 square feet which is not the best we have seen in this review, but it is still decent.

What we really like about this model is that it has a high BTU of 75,000 and a long operation time of 11 hours.

With such a big power, it will be able to heat a room fairly fast, and it will also have no problem operating for a long period of time.

In addition, its tank size of 8.5 gallons means that you do not have to refill this top-rated kerosene heater often.

Pros:

• Small and compact. Will not consume a lot of space in a room
• Efficient. It has a long operation time of 11 hours
• The big tank size of 8.5 gallons. Does not require frequent refills

Cons:

• A few customers have noted that it smells kerosene during operation

7. Mr. Heater F270320 – Heavy-duty & Portable

Photo: Mr. Heater

• Heating Area: 3,125 square feet
• BTUs: 125,000
• Tank Size: 8.5 gallons
• Operate Time: 15 hours

This model has a nice balance between performance and portability which is a rare combination in a kerosene heater. Indeed, with a BTU of 125,000, this kerosene heater is able to heat a large surface area quite fast.

In fact, it has a rated heating area of 3,125 square feet which makes it one of the top models you will find in this review.

The rear wheels are quite heavy-duty and can be used anywhere. Therefore, this model is an excellent indoor as well as outdoor kerosene heater.

There is a handy power indicator that will show you when the device is operational. Additionally, what we really like about this model is that it has a very long operation time of 15 hours.

When you take into account its high performance, excellent heating area, and high operation time, this model by Mr. Heater is definitely one of the best kerosene heaters that you can currently purchase.

It comes highly recommended especially if you’re looking for heavy duty and highly portable model.

Pros:

• Large wheels for easy portability
• Long operation time of 15 hours
• High BTU of 125,000 and large heating area of 3,125 square feet

Cons:

• The price
• Consumes more kerosene than other models

How to Buy the Best Kerosene Heater

Photo: Pro-Temp

1. Types of Kerosene Heater

Choosing the right type of model will allow you to get the best kerosene heater for your need. The kerosene heater comes in 2 different types, convection and radiant.

Convection: The convection kerosene heater outputs heat in all directions. This type of kerosene heater is ideal for use as a single heater where it is placed at the center of the room.One big advantage of the convection kerosene heater is that it is available in a wide range of heating output, so it does not matter how big your room is. Simply get a more performing convection kerosene heater with a higher BTU, and you’re good to go.

Radiant: As its name suggests, the radiant kerosene heater radiates heat in one direction.This type of kerosene heater is usually smaller and has a lower BTU value because it does not need a lot of energy to output heat in one direction. Moreover, the radiant kerosene heater is usually placed in a corner in the room. Due to its lower heating output, it is generally best used in a small apartment or small room.

2. Safety Feature

Since kerosene is highly for Mabel substance, it is important that your kerosene heater comes with security and safety features.

For starters, you should be able to fully remove the kerosene compartment in your kerosene heater. So that you can pour kerosene inside the compartment away from the heater itself.

In addition, the kerosene heater should be equipped with an automatic shut off switch that will distinguish the flame immediately in case of an emergency.

This shutoff switch must be in an easily accessible location.

Also, look for safety certifications like CSA or UL that guarantees that the kerosene heater respects safety standards.

3. BTU

The BTU (British Thermal Unit) in a kerosene heater dictates how fast the device is able to output heat.

The higher the BTU value, obviously the more performing the kerosene heater will be.

Most people with a small apartment or small room will be satisfied with a kerosene heater that has a BTU of at least 10,000.

However, if you need more heat output to heat a large room, then you should go with a bigger BTU value.

There are many top-rated kerosene heaters on the market that has a BTU value of more than 50,000.

This shows that it is able to burn the kerosene extremely fast to produce a high level of heat very quickly.

4. Portability

If you are planning to carry your kerosene heater from location to location, then it is important that it is portable as well.

Ensure that your chosen kerosene heater comes with a top handle that will allow you to easily carry it.

In addition, the weight of the kerosene heater is important in case you want to lift it and place it somewhere else.

There are also a few models that have wheels at the rear. This will allow you to easily transport the heater anywhere you want.

For this type of kerosene heater, weight does not matter much because you’re pulling the heater and not lifting it.

5. Fuel Capacity

The more fuel the kerosene heater can store, the longer the operation time will be.

Therefore, if you need to use your kerosene heater for an extended period of time, then it is always best to go with a model that has a high fuel capacity.

However, you should also pay attention to the operation time as well.

This is because there are a few kerosene heaters that have a high fuel capacity but a small operation time because they lack efficiency and burn the fuel too fast.

Kerosene Heater Safety Tips

Since kerosene is a highly flammable substance, there are some important safety precautions to take when operating the kerosene heater.

1. Location

Choosing a location for your kerosene heater is key.

You do not want to place it in direct sunlight but rather in a well-ventilated area.

In addition, you should stay away from furniture, your curtains, and other places where the temperature can get high.

Also, it should not be placed in an area where it is easily accessible by pets or children.

2. Fueling

When refilling your kerosene heater with kerosene, you should make sure that the heater is cooled down and at room temperature.

Never refill the heater just after use as this may cause a fire hazard.

Always pull the fuel tank from the carriage and heater and make sure that you never refill it indoors. Do this step out those in a well-ventilated area.

3. Storage

Since kerosene is highly flammable, you should store it in a special container where it is clearly marked.

You do not want to confuse kerosene with other substances in your kitchen.

Moreover, the kerosene storage compartment should be airtight because kerosene will evaporate over time when it gets in contact with air.

This is why it is important to never store the container in direct sunlight because the kerosene vapor inside could expand drastically causing damage to the container.

4. Safety

You must ensure your safety at all times. Use smoke and fire detectors near your kerosene heater in case of a fire outbreak.

In addition, you should also have a fire extinguisher handy nearby.

5. Gasoline

Even if some kerosene heaters use other fuels like gasoline, you should never mix gasoline with kerosene when using the heater.

This is because even a small amount of gasoline mixed with kerosene will form a very flammable and explosive mixture that can damage the heater.

It can also create a fire hazard because the combustion is just too fast.

Therefore, for your own safety, always use kerosene only in a kerosene heater.

Conclusion

The kerosene heater is a very versatile type of heater that can be used almost anywhere.

Whether you need to heat a garage, job site, or even a room that does not have electricity, you can use the kerosene heater.

It is also more economical to use and maintain when compared to other types of electric heaters.

Sources

1. Kerosene Heater Safety – Insurance Information Institute
2. Kerosene Heater Safety – National Ag Safety Database